A Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) member, Collins Mtika, has appealed the dismissal of his petition challenging the election of Susan Thindwa as Council Member for the Mzuzu Division, alleging procedural irregularities and violations of the Society’s revised electoral rules.
Mtika initially claimed that Thindwa failed to account for over MK300,000 collected during the 2025 Flag Week campaign, arguing that this made her ineligible under Annex 3 of the 2025 MRCS Election Policy, which bars candidates with outstanding debts or unaccounted funds.
He also accused her of breaching the Red Cross principle of voluntary service by allegedly benefiting from organisational resources.
However, the Ad Hoc Elections Committee dismissed his petition on 19 November, stating that no formal disciplinary determination had been issued by the National Council, as required under Article 18(4) of the MRCS Constitution.
In the absence of such a determination, the Committee ruled that the allegations were insufficient grounds for disqualification.
In his appeal, filed on 27 October, Mtika argues that the Committee acted ultra vires by failing to investigate the allegations, insisting that Clause 9.2 obligates it to conduct a hearing once credible concerns are raised.
He maintains that the eligibility rules are preventive in nature and intended to safeguard leadership integrity.
Mtika is asking MRCS to nullify Thindwa’s election, suspend her pending investigation, and appoint a new, impartial Elections Petition Committee.
Governance observers say the dispute highlights broader concerns about transparency and accountability within MRCS, particularly as the organisation scales up its disaster response, WASH, and community health interventions.
Some warn that delayed communication from MRCS could undermine donor and volunteer confidence.Thindwa confirmed receiving a summons from Headquarters but declined to provide further comment.
Analysts say an independent and transparent review could help restore trust and reaffirm MRCS’s commitment to strong governance and responsible stewardship of public resources.
